What is a Mini-Split System, & Why Is It So Popular?

By
Blanton's Air, Plumbing & Electric
|March 06, 2017

In homes without duct systems, such as homes with boiler heating systems or radiant panels, adding air conditioning or adding a new heating system is a costly option. Why? It’s because these installations require installing ductwork as well. Adding ductwork to a house is a major remodeling project – but one that may not be necessary. Ductless mini-split air conditioners and heaters can effectively heat and cool rooms without the addition of ducts.

Where Mini-Splits Can Be Used

Mini-split systems can be used in any room, but they are commonly found in:

• Room additions that are not heated by the main heating system• Older homes that do not have ducts• Newer homes that only need heating or cooling in a small part of the home

These systems use an outdoor compressor and an indoor evaporator/fan unit to heat or cool the home. If you have one of these scenarios, investing in a ductless mini-split system (or several to bring comfort to the entire house) costs less than adding ductwork.

Advantages of Mini-Split Systems

Mini-split systems are compact systems, which means they will not take up too much of your space. They can be used to zone the home, too, so you are not heating and cooling rooms you are not using. They are popular with today’s homeowners because they are easier to install than other space conditioning systems, which means you’ll have lower labor costs upfront.

Because they have no ducts, mini-split systems don’t lose the energy lost in ductwork with typical central heating and cooling systems. The Department of Energy estimates that duct losses are responsible for over 30 percent of the energy consumption of the average home, so this particular advantage is a big one.

In addition, mini-splits provide greater flexibility. You can choose the location that is the most aesthetically appealing, such as mounted flush with your ceiling, hanging on a wall, or even standing on the floor. The units are only about seven inches deep, so they don’t take up too much room in your home.

Finally, mini-splits can be safer than other wall-mounted units. Other wall-mounted units require a large hole that can allow intruders an entry point. All a thief would need to do is remove the unit and crawl through the hole. The small footprint means the mini-split conditioning system does not create an opening large enough for intruders.

If you are interested in learning more about mini-splits, Blanton’s Heating and Air can help. Give us a call to talk to one of our experienced technicians about the best ways to heat and cool your home.